Colt 3rd Gen Single Action Army SAA 4 3/4″ .357 Magnum Revolver, MFD 1978
SOLD FOR: $2,000.00
LSB#: 241207AA236
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation
Serial Number: 95665SA
Year of Manufacture: 1978 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup/)
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Barrel Length: 4 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at the top and American Eagle at the bottom of each panel. The inside of each panel has “95665” hand-scribed. The grips have some nicks and scratches, most notable at the bottom edge of the left panel. The checkering is well defined with good detail in the colts and eagles. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original, numbered parts match.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, there is some light, stubborn fouling and tool chatter across the lands. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. There is wear at the muzzle on the left. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches, most notable on the bottom of the barrel and trigger guard. There is some faint oxidation on the unfinished side-faces of the hammer and the left of the recoil shield. The cylinder has light turn-wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Very Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. The cylinder locks up with barely perceptible play on each chamber. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a Plano Protector case.
Our Assessment: In 1974, Colt quietly discontinued production of the single Action Army; this would be the second time they discontinued production of this glorious revolver. Luckily, the loyal fans of the SAA would not need to wait long as colt would bring back the SAA in 1976 as the “3rd Generation”. Changes were made but the basic SAA was the same, i.e. three standard barrel lengths of 4 3/4”, 5 1/2” and 7 1/2”, finishes of full nickel or blue, with color case hardened frame, and grips of hard rubber.
Some changes were incorporated in an effort by Colt to keep prices down. One new change was a pressed-in cylinder pin bushing instead of the removable ones used in 1st and 2nd Generation cylinders. Also, the ratchet at the rear of the cylinders was re-shaped, which also necessitated a different shape on the rotating hand. And for some unknown reason, the pitch of the barrel’s threads was changed from the 20 threads per inch (TPI) as used on 1st and 2nd Generation SAAs to 24 TPI for these new ones. Toward the end of 2nd Generation production Colt had begun using some investment cast parts, but the frames continued to be forged. The introductory caliber for 3rd Generation SAAs was .45 Colt, but .357 Magnum came along by the end of 1976.
Everyone should have a Colt Single Action Army, and this would be a beauty to add to any collection. Manufactured in 1978, this revolver is in Very Good-plus condition, appearing to have seen responsible use. With a 4 3/4″ barrel and chambered for .357 Magnum, this is a classic Single Action Army chambered for a more modern magnum cartridge. This makes it suitable for addition to a collection, but is also something that could be carried as a hunting sidearm or used in Cowboy Action Shooting competitions. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
